One of my favorite things is when I go to see a band and the openers unexpectedly blow me away. I know that’s almost always the point, but it doesn’t always work out like that. One time that it did, urika’s bedroom popped up on my radar when they toured with Nourished By Time. This unassuming group of slackers walks on stage and next thing I know I’m completely captivated by their dreamy sound. They recently released their debut full-length Big Smile, Black Mire — you can get it here — and it’s just as brilliant as I imagined it would be. It’s strange and new and otherworldly, but it’s also comforting like a deja vu that reminds me how much I need this 90s-esque alt/indie rock sound in my life. I could’ve come down after a rave listening to their song “XTC” at 6 A.M. in 1999, but I can also listen to it while cooking breakfast for my kids in 2024. Their sound is an enigma; I wouldn’t necessarily call it shoegaze, but it has the same shimmer, and I wouldn’t necessarily call it trip hop, but it has similar vibes. Whatever I call urika’s bedroom, Big Smile, Black Mire is a record I’m gonna be listening to on repeat. They’re touring in France, England, and Ireland starting Nov 9th — get tickets here and check the dates below. Right now, experience Big Smile, Black Mire here:
